Vietnam – Untouched

Vietnam Bike Tour – Untouched Overview

This one really fits the bill in terms of getting you off the beaten track as we head up to the remote region of Ha Giang in the north-eastern corner of Vietnam. Sharing a border with China this region gives you a glimpse of Vietnam from a bygone age. Until relatively recently the Vietnamese government restricted travel in the area and so it has escaped the impacts associated with mass tourism.

In an ever-shrinking world, Ha Giang, with its uniquely preserved tribal culture (nearly 90 percent of the population is ethnic minorities), is one of those rare places that hasn’t been corralled by modernity or pre-packaged for visitors. At least, not yet. During the past two decades, as Vietnam’s lowlands and urban centers have teetered on tracks of globalization and economic development, much of this distant 5,000-square-mile province has remained detached and frozen in the past.

Conceptualised in collaboration with our local partner we were the first to run a road bike tour in the area and it is not one for the faint hearted. Terraced rice paddies and primary forests provide an attractive canvas as we wind our way up through vertiginous passes on the road less travelled. The elevation profile is immense and so this tour leans towards the ‘epic’ scale of our tour portfolio. As a challenge and a truly adventurous experience it takes some beating though.

Vietnam Bike Tour – Untouched Highlights

> Truly experience the road less travelled as we venture into an area that until relatively recently was closed off to tourists

> Savour the great food prepared by our team of cooks along the way – be it impromptu picnics or buffet extravaganzas

> Feel like a pro as the locals come out cheer you on as you ride through their villages

> Ride one of the great rides to Dong Van and the Chinese border

> Experience the hustle and bustle of Hanoi – arguably Asia’s most atmospheric capital – before heading up into the hills

> Cycle up into the clouds as we take on the 25 km climb into our final destination – the remakable town of Sapa

> Interact with the local hill tribe people that dominate the population demographic – there are 22 ethnic minorities in the region

Relax at the end of the day with a massage from one of our accompanying masseurs

Vietnam Bike Tour- Untouched Dates & Prices

Tour

Start Date 2018

End Date 2018

Days

Cost

Vietnam – Untouched

October 16

October 25

10 days (9 nights)

US$3350

Supplements

> Single supplement – Our prices are based on twin/double occupancy. If you wish to have your own room please let us know and we will calcualte the additional cost.

> Tips- We recommend that each person puts US$60 into a kitty as a tip for the local support crew.

The tour is priced in US$ as that is currency that we pay our suppliers in.

Vietnam Bike Tour – Food and Wine

Outside cultures have had a strong influence, from the Chinese and Khmer dynasties and the Indian empire to the (short lived) Japanese occupation and, in particular, the French colonial rulers. A classic example of a Vietnamese dish that mixes historical cultural influences with the native cuisine is the ever-popular bánh mì or bánh mỳ, a crusty baguette filled with thinly sliced pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, chillies, pate, mayonnaise and various meat fillings or tofu. The contrasting flavours and textures of this sandwich combined with its low cost make this a popular everyday dish.

Another classic Vietnamese dish is the much-loved pho, which is found all over Vietnam and, indeed, anywhere in the world with a Vietnamese immigrant population. It is a fragrant, rich rice noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken and served with Vietnamese basil, lime, bean sprouts and chillies. Although it is a quintessentially Vietnamese dish it has Chinese and French influences in its use of spices and stock technique.

Vietnam is made up of over 50 provinces. In terms of food, there are three distinct areas – the North, the Central Highlands and the South – each of which has its own climate, culture and food traditions. Broadly speaking, the North is more influenced by neighbouring China and the food tends to reflect it’s colder climate; the South draws more upon Khmer and Thai influences and its hotter climate means more emphasis on salads, grilled meats and so-called “cooling foods”; whereas Central Vietnam is more of a blend of the two styles.

The key ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking (along them fish sauce, sugar and rice) are very similar to its closest neighbours, Thailand and Cambodia; yet Vietnamese cooking has a distinct style all of its own. It tends to be less spicy, lighter, fragrant and fresh. Meals are leisurely affairs, with many shared dishes served all at once. A typical meal may include a soup, rice, grilled or steamed meats, a vegetable dish, fresh fruit and salad, all placed on the table at once. (courtesy of SBS food)

Vietnam Bike Tour – Untouched Essentials

Pre Tour information pack

Our Pre Tour information pack will tell you everything from what to bring and meeting arrangments to training recommendations. Please contact us to recieve both the information pack and the detailed itinerary.

Who am I? I ride my bike an average of 160km per week and enjoy riding at a fast pace for an extended period of time. I love to push myself to my physical limits.
Distance: 100-160km (60-100miles)
Altitude gain: 1500-4000m
Time in saddle: 4-8hours
Terrain: Whatever is put in front of me!

Getting there and away

Meeting point – We will meet in the lobby of our first hotel. If your flight connections permit we will meet in the lobby at 1800 before going to dinner.

Flights – There are a number of companies that fly in to Hanoi. Please get in contact if you need any help with choosing which one or require any additional information.

Departure – Our tour ends in Hanoi. We catch the overnight train from Lao Cai (just below Sapa) and arrive into Hanoi early the next morning. We recommend booking flights from 1400 onwards.

Frequently asked questions

For general essentials relating to group size, bikes, accommodation, tour payments please see our extensive FAQs section. If you can’t find the answer there please get in touch and we’d be happy to help.

Vietnam Bike Tour – Untouched

Regional History

Archaeological excavations carried out near Hà Giang town at Doi Thang (Pine Hill) have established the region’s antiquity to about 3000 years back. What was later called Hà Giang Province by the French was part of bộ Tân Hưng in ancient times, one of 15 bộ in the nation of Văn Lang.

The French occupied this region in 1886, establishing their military garrison on the east bank of the Lô River and which became later in 1905 one of the four major military establishments in French Indochina in North Vietnam. The Vietnamese Dao tribals rebelled against the French colonial rule first in 1901 led by Triệu Tiến Kiến and Triệu Tài Lộc, which was quelled, and the former was killed in the war. However, in 1913, Triệu Tài Lộc organized another rebellion with the help of Triệu Tiến Tiến, another member of his clan, which lasted for two years till 1915. Their slogan was “No Corvees, no taxes for the French; drive out the French to recover our country; liberty for the Dao.”

The increasing opposition by the Vietnamese to the French rule saw the King adopting a neutral stance. Vương Chú Sển who succeeded his father after the latter’s death in 1944, however, pledged support to Hồ Chí Minh. Japan’s defeat by the Allies of World War II created a power vacuum for Vietnamese communists to seize power in August 1945 before French authorities were able to return to reclaim control of the government. Their initial success in staging uprisings and in seizing control of most of the country by September 1945 was partially undone, however, by the return of the French a few months later.

This marked the start of the first Indochina war which lasted from 1946 -54 and resulted in the 1954 Geneva conference leaving Vietnam a divided nation. Ha Giang was a part of the communist north that was led by Hồ Chí Minh and was impacted by the extensive land reform program he instigated. The division of Vietnam was not a peaceful one though, especially given the Cold War context, and as a result the second Indochina war was to wage from 1954-75. For further details on the war ravaged past of Vietnam and a more detailed overview click here.

Vietnam History general

Vietnam has a history as rich and evocative as anywhere on the planet. Sure, the American War in Vietnam captured the attention of the West, but centuries before that Vietnam was scrapping with the Chinese, the Khmers, the Chams and the Mongols. Vietnamese civilisation is as sophisticated as that of its mighty northern neighbour China, from where it drew many of its influences under a thousand-year occupation. Later came the French and the humbling period of colonialism from which Vietnam was not to emerge until the second half of the 20th century. The Americans were simply the last in a long line of invaders who had come and gone through the centuries and, no matter what was required or how long it took, they too would be vanquished. If only the planners back in Washington had paid just a little more attention to the history of this very proud nation, then Vietnam might have avoided the trauma and tragedy of a horribly brutal war. (courtesy of Lonely planet).

Make no mistake, you are signing up for an experience to remember for a lifetime. I’ve traveled inVietnam before, but Ride and Seek’s Vietnam tour far surpassed my expectations. From the meticulously planned in-country operation, to ascending into the foggy heavens of Vietnam’s mountains and the sheer enjoyment of riding roads that have yet to see a modern day bicycle. This trip wrote stories my grandkids will hear about.

Hoa Lee

A truly epic and memorable tour of Vietnam was had in so many aspects last year. Great riding and adventure, suberb food cooked by the chef, lunches had with breathtaking views, great support crew and masseuses plus our bikes were cleaned and mechanically tuned each night. An awesome adventure with an awesome bunch of people. The Missus and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves !!!

Alex Wee

Don’t just think about it, do it! After a little while deliberating, I’m very glad I chose to do this trip with Ride and Seek in Vietnam. A great week of riding and exploration in excellent company. Felt very well looked after by Dylan & Matt. All I want to do now is ride my bike!

Anne Lynam

This was undoubtable the greatest week on a bike of my cycling life. Stunning landscapes, great people, great food, and most importantly some monumental climbs. As a cyclist and a photographer I was in heaven from the day I arrived in Vietnam till the day I left. Bring good tyres, good wheels, strong legs and an open mind and you will have a blast.